BEREA, Ky. — In a few short years, Meghan Smith, owner of central Kentucky’s Doodlebug Cakes, went from watching her favorite baking competitions on Food Network to competing in one.

At 18, Smith is the youngest contestant to compete on “Cake Wars,” a cake decorating competition show that pits four teams of two against one another for a grand prize of $10,000.

Smith, whose interest in baking started when she was very young, said competing on one of her favorite shows was the opportunity of a lifetime and great birthday surprise.

“In order to be eligible for the show you must be 18,” Smith said. “Literally, on my 18th birthday, I applied online and they immediately emailed me back asking for a video audition. A few weeks later, I got the news that I had been chosen to be on the show. I was beyond excited. It literally was a dream come true.”

At 12 Smith was dreaming up cake designs and starting her own business.

“In 7th grade, my favorite TV shows were ‘Cake Boss,’ ‘Ace of Cakes’ and cake competition shows. So I decided I would give it a try and asked for cake pans and fondant for Christmas that year. From that point on, I was hooked,” the Berea, Kentucky cake artist explained how her interest in baking began.

Smith’s eye-catching baked goods quickly started garnering attention and requests began pouring in for the talented middle-schooler’s creations.

“I was asked by numerous people where my mom worked to begin making their cakes,” Smith explained. “From there, it quickly expanded into a full-time business.”

While Smith can’t divulge any specific details about her appearance on “Cake Wars,” the 18-year-old did reveal that nerves were not a problem while she was competing against teams of other professional cake artists — but time did play a factor.

“The difference between a normal cake order and “Cake Wars” is the amount of time you are required to make the cake. Not to mention, when I’m making a cake for a client it is not a competition for $10,000! I wasn’t ever really nervous, just focused on completing the cake and doing the very best I could within the time given,” Smith revealed.

However, Smith said the stressful experience was bit easier thanks to some friendly faces. The show allows each contestant to have one assistant.

“Naturally, I chose my mom, Cristi Simmons — who is also my biggest fan — to appear with me on the show,” Smith said.

While Smith has always found a balance between work and school, the successful entrepreneur and full-time student at Eastern Kentucky University majoring in marketing, said she has learned quite a bit about patience and drive.

“It is not easy. My life pretty much consists of cake and school right now. Both are rewarding and exciting but take hard work and dedication to be successful. It takes patience, a desire to learn, creativity and a drive to succeed when you own your own business. I’m never bored and always busy,” Smith said.

The Doodlebug Cakes owner said whenever a customer gives her a theme for a cake, she commits herself to the project until the customer is satisfied — putting the customer’s needs over creative impulses.

“I take pride in every cake that leaves my kitchen. I want it to look spectacular and of course taste delicious. But most of all, I always try to create what the customer wants. My number one priority is to bring joy to their life with something I created,” Smith said of her business philosophy.

While Smith can’t reveal the outcome of the competition — the ‘Cake Wars’ episode featuring Smith will air Feb. 22 at 9 p.m. — the cake decorator said the experience and having the opportunity to represent her home was worth it.

“The cake that was created on ‘Cake Wars’ will forever be the most memorable experience in my career,” Smith said.

Director of Business Development for the city of Berea, Kentucky, Danny Isaacs, said the city is behind its resident star and will be watching Monday evening.

“Meghan’s cakes are creative, artistic, and delicious, and Berea is thrilled to see her business put in the national spotlight. Berea wishes her the best luck on the upcoming episode, and hopes that the entire Commonwealth will tune in,” Isaacs said.

Barker writes for the Richmond, Kentucky Register.